Normandy - history, architecture, culture and nature
Normandy is one of the most popular regions in France. With its turbulent history, historical monuments, picturesque towns, wild beaches and peaceful landscapes, it offers everything you need for an idyllic, cultural and romantic holiday.
Discover spectacular coastal landscapes, chalk cliffs, pebble beaches and thatched cottages. Some of the most beautiful museums and villages in France, thermal baths, numerous remarkable architectural treasures declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO are waiting for your visit.
Rich history of Normandy
Starting with the Normans who invaded England in 1066, to around 900 years later, the D-Day landings in 1944: discover the rich history through the small mediaeval churches, the cathedrals, Mont St-Michel, the unique tapestry of Bayeux and the touching, fascinating cemeteries and monuments along the landing beaches.
Climate of Normandy
Normandy enjoys a temperate oceanic climate, which is particularly inviting for holidaymakers between June and September. Winters are relatively mild and summers are sunny but not too hot. There is frequent rainfall.
Attractions of Normandy
Mont-Saint-Michel and its Bay
The Abbey of Mont-Saint-Michel is a mediaeval architectural masterpiece and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city and island of Mont-Saint-Michel is without a doubt one of the most magical places in Normandy and one of the most visited attractions in France. The majestic structure, whose appearance changes throughout the day, with the tides and light, is located in an exceptional and magical landscape.
Bayeux Tapestry
Bayeux, saved from the bombings of 1944, has an exceptional architectural and historical heritage. This small middle-class town in the Calvados region is world famous for its monumental Bayeux Tapestry, which uses painted historical scenes to recount the conquest of England by the Duke of Normandy in the 11th century. The tapestry has made it into the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register. This is also worth seeing the Notre-Dame Cathedral in the heart of the old town, a remarkably preserved Norman jewel of mediaeval architecture.
Cliffs of Etretat
The enchanting Cliffs of Etretat on the Alabaster Coast were immortalised by painters such as Claude Monet and Gustave Courbet. They form a natural landscape that is unique in the world and have inspired generations of impressionist artists. Stroll along the clifftop paths overlooking the English Channel or, at low tide, along the beach at the foot of the cliffs, past the famous "Manhole” cave.
“Valleuses” of the Alabaster Coast
The so-called “valleuses” are depressions in the land surface of the plateau that allow a view of the sea. These geological formations, characteristic of the Caux region, reveal secret beaches and breathtaking landscapes.
Honfleur and the Côte Fleurie
The Côte Fleurie, with its beaches and rich architectural heritage, offers visitors one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in Normandy. Discover the almost 50 kilometres of Calvados coastline with its beaches, ports and characteristic villages, from the maritime charm of Honfleur to the picturesque village of Merville.
Pays d’Auge
Not far from the Côte Fleurie lies the idyllic, romantic and authentic Pays d'Auge. Be enchanted by the picturesque landscapes, Norman cows, thatched cottages and half-timbered villages.
Monet's house and gardens
Monet's house in Giverny, where he lived until his death in 1947, exudes an atmosphere steeped in history. Discover the spectacular gardens (famous Gardens of Giverny or Monet's gardens) and some of the living rooms of the family house, as well as the studio and the blue lounge.
Granville and the Chausey Islands
Discover the fortifications of the old town in Granville, visit Christian Dior Museum and admire the view over the bay of Mont-Saint-Michel from the upper town of Granville. Take a ride on an old sailboat and discover the city and islands from the sea. They are just a few kilometres from the coast of Granville Chausey Islands with its white sandy beaches and fishing villages.
Perche Regional Natural Park
The preserved Perche Regional Natural Park covers almost 1,800 km2. This nature excursion in the heart of Normandy features bocage, villages, hills and mansions. The region's forests offer exceptional biodiversity.
Important cities to visit in Normandy
Le Havre
The Port of Le Havre, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005, is an exceptional example of avant-garde port architecture. Le Havre has an incredible historical heritage with its impressive modern reconstruction of the post-war city by architect Auguste Perret. Visit the impressive Saint Joseph Church, the Museum of Modern Art, the Avenue Foch and the Ocean Gate. The D-Day landing beaches between Cotentin and Côte de Nacre were used to land the Allied fleets in June 1944. Immerse yourself in one of the symbolic parts of the Second World War through a variety of memorial sites.
Rouen
Rouen, city of art and history, is a port city known worldwide for its Armada (major event with numerous tall ships) and has been organised since 1989. It is one of the most important events in the maritime world and takes place every four to six years on the banks of the Seine. Visit the Cathedrale Notre-Dame de Rouen and the mediaeval old town with their magnificent half-timbered houses and countless architectural works of art.
Caen
Caen is a diverse, mediaeval Norman city with its (almost) hidden treasures and historical heritage. Visit the Caen Memorial, the Abbaye-aux-Hommes (Men's Abbey) and the Abbaye-aux-Dames (Women's Abbey), which were built in the 11th century by William the Conqueror, as well as the castle that now houses the Museum of Fine Arts. Stroll through the streets and squares of the Vaugueux district and relax in the Garden of plants.
Cherbourg
The Cherbourg harbour is one of the most spectacular in Europe. Don't miss that one ferry port, an Art Deco masterpiece, as well as the Le Point du Jour Art Centre, the symbolic factory of the Cherbourg Umbrella and the Cité de la Mer ("city of the sea"), a maritime museum.
Mosques and halal food in Normandy
Since there is a large Muslim community in France, you can easily find mosques and halal restaurants, especially in the larger cities listed above.
Accommodation in Normandy
Halalbooking offers hotels in Deauville and Trouville. Deauville and Trouville are the most popular seaside resorts in Normandy. They are separated by the Touques River and are located on both banks. The famous Belgian Bridge that separates the two cities is dedicated to the Belgian soldiers who liberated them in 1944. Enjoy the beautiful view from the bridge over the Quays of Touques.
On the left bank, Deauville is an excellent destination with its palaces, luxury boutiques, its impressive seaside villas and its almost 2 km long beach with its colourful parasols with Deauville knots. Stroll on the promenade that runs along the must-see Pompeian baths, shops, various pools, steam rooms, cafes and restaurants. Here are also the 450 beach huts with their famous plaques from 1923, which are signed every year by big names in cinema who came here during the famous American film festival. The famous Hippodrome, the House of Eugène Boudin, the Villa Strassburger and the Casino should also not be missing from your sightseeing list.
On the right bank, the historic town of Trouville offers a family character with its magnificent beach bordered by Belle Epoque villas. Visit the historic villa museum, Villa Montebello, with its typical architecture, which hosts temporary exhibitions. One of the oldest in the city, it was built in 1865 and is decorated with a tower. Discover the Old town with the fish market and Harbor, where you can see the Trawlers being tied up by the fisherman after their day of fishing. Trouville beach offers a variety of activities including an aquatic centre and swimming pool. The promenade is just like Deauville, with its tables and beach huts.
Traditional Norman cuisine
In Normandy, gastronomy means culture and is, above all, an art of living. The varied, refined, creative and tasty Norman cuisine matches the sociability of the residents. The best, freshest sea products harmonise with the fruits of the rich and fertile land. With the various alternatives to meat (that is not necessarily halal), such as fish, shellfish, cheese, eggs and vegetarian dishes, you can easily taste traditional Norman cuisine.
Are you inspired and ready to book your holiday in Normandy? Discover great viewpoints, a rich historical heritage and the diverse culture of Normandy.
On halalbooking.com you will undoubtedly find the accommodation that best meets your expectations. Enjoy peace of mind with our Price Match offer.